Vehicle in suspected carjacking recovered; two arrested

STOCKTON – Authorities arrested a driver and passenger without incident in east Stockton after spotting them in a vehicle believed to have been stolen in a carjacking, Stockton police reported.

Officers from the Community Response Team and San Joaquin Countywide Multi-Agency Gang Task Force were patrolling the area near Fremont and E streets when they spotted the vehicle shortly before 9 p.m. Thursday. Following a search, they discovered the passenger had a small amount of crystal methamphetamine in his possession, according to a report.

Authorities arrested Jose Castillo, 23, on suspicion of carjacking and possession of stolen property, and Kevin Byrd, 48, on suspicion of drug charges.